Gavaskar’s reaction on the defeat from New Zealand came, said – how did they win so easily, surprised!
Delhi. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar said that he was surprised at how New Zealand defeated India so easily in the second ODI in Rajkot. Along with this, the host team will not have the freedom to experiment with its combination in the third and last match on Sunday.
Daryl Mitchell scored an unbeaten 131 as New Zealand chased down the target of 285 in the second ODI in Rajkot with a seven-wicket win to level the series 1-1. The deciding match of the series will be played in Indore.
Gavaskar said on ‘JeoHotStar’, “I was surprised that New Zealand won so easily because before they started batting, everyone thought that India would be able to take advantage of the slow pace of the pitch.” He said, “Not just the spinners but all their (New Zealand) bowlers used the slow pace of the pitch well. It seemed that India would be able to restrict New Zealand to around 260 or 270 runs. I thought it would be an easy win for India.
Gavaskar also praised Mitchell, who made a 162-run partnership with Will Young (87) to ensure the visitors’ victory. Gavaskar said that there will be pressure on India in the series decider and the team does not have the scope to try a player like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who could have been given a chance in Indore if the series was won in Rajkot.
He said, “If they (India) had won this match, they would have had the freedom to experiment a bit. Perhaps giving a chance to those players who have not played yet. A player like Jaiswal could also have got a little chance.” Gavaskar said, ”All this could have been possible but now they cannot take any risk. They have to play with their best eleven.
Former New Zealand player Simon Doull praised Mitchell’s innings and the way he faced the Indian spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. Kuldeep gave 82 runs in his 10 overs and could take only one wicket, while Jadeja gave 44 runs in eight overs without taking any wicket. “Mitchell has had very good stats against India… we see it again and again, the reverse sweep, using his legs,” Doull said.
He played very quickly against Kuldeep and put pressure on him in the very first over. From that moment Kuldeep lost his rhythm which does not happen often.” He said, ”Even against Jadeja he played very well. The way he can play forward, use his feet, hit shots over the top or be aggressive and play shots on both sides of the ground, reverse sweep, backfoot shots, he has everything, it shows his confidence.” Doull agreed with Gavaskar that there will be pressure on the hosts in the decider.
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